Nondestructive Evaluation of the I-40 Bridge over the Rio Grande River
Publication: Journal of Performance of Constructed Facilities
Volume 18, Issue 4
Abstract
A nondestructive strength evaluation of the I-40 Bridge over the Rio Grande River in Albuquerque, N.M. was completed for the New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT). The I-40 Bridge is a precast, prestressed concrete girder bridge located within of the “Big I” interchange carrying Interstates I-40 and I-25. Because of its location, the I-40 Bridge is subjected to large amounts of heavy truck traffic. The primary objective of the study reported herein was to determine a more accurate capacity rating for the I-40 Bridge and thus, reduce the number of overweight vehicle permit denials. To achieve this objective, a conventional rating analysis is first performed based on American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) guidelines. A diagnostic load test and a finite-element analysis are then completed. Details of the AASHTO rating analysis as well as the approach by which measured girder strains from the load test and finite-element results were considered in the capacity rating of the I-40 Bridge are discussed. Findings from the study confirmed that the capacity ratings of the I-40 Bridge could be safely increased by a factor of 1.7.
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Performance of Constructed Facilities
Volume 18 • Issue 4 • November 2004
Pages: 195 - 204
Copyright
Copyright © 2004 ASCE.
History
Received: May 19, 2003
Accepted: Feb 13, 2004
Published online: Oct 15, 2004
Published in print: Nov 2004
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